Together We Can Make A Difference

October 19th, 2011

Have you ever looked around and thought that things could be better? Neighborhoods could look nicer, parks could be cleaner, and a lot of people sure could use some help. It’s easy to notice these things – but much harder to do something about them. A national movement that’s been surging for more than 20 years hopes to change all that.

Are you ready to make a difference?

Make A Difference Day

The fourth Saturday in October is National Make A Difference Day. To commemorate this event, people are asked to reach out and try to help others. It’s a time to improve your community, do something positive and make the world around you a better place.

The concept was created by USA Weekend. Their goal is to encourage community service and organize a massive volunteer effort one day each year. Since its inception in 1992, Make A Difference Day has grown annually and become a life-changing experience for millions of people.

How You Can Make A Difference

It’s easy to get involved with Make A Difference Day. Start by simply looking around for something to do in your own community. You may choose to clean up a park, help an elderly neighbor run errands or volunteer at a homeless shelter. Take a quick look around. You’re sure to find many ways you can make a difference.

Once you have an idea, figure out what you need to make it happen. You might need to recruit friends, pick up supplies or get in touch with a local charity. If your project looks like it’s too big to handle in one day, don’t worry. You can always get started in advance or find people to help.

A Few Ways To Make A Difference

Looking for ideas on what you can do to make a difference this October? Here are a few suggestions:

Paint over graffiti

Donate to a local charity

Mow the lawn of an elderly neighbor

Offer your services to a volunteer center

Clean up garbage in your area

Help revitalize a community center

Finding something worth doing is the easy part. It’s after you pick your project that the real work begins.

PeopleFinders Hopes To Make A Difference

At PeopleFinders, we love reaching out to the community and making a difference. We’re spending Make A Difference Day by volunteering at the Safetyville Halloween Haunt, a fun event that helps teach kids important safety tips. Families will enjoy a fun alternative to trick-or treating, complete with live music, games, food, a costume parade and other exciting activities.

Safetyville is a replica city built in 1/3 scale to give young people a personalized view of the world around them. Tour guides accompany children through the park and offer safety tips about electricity, fire, bicycling, vehicles and other potential hazards. The park is dedicated to teaching kids about safety in a fun and secure environment.

Making A Difference Every Day

On the fourth Saturday in October, people across the country are asked to roll up their sleeves and do something that helps others and improves their community. It’s an incredible occurrence that benefits millions of people. But it doesn’t have to happen just once a year.

Make plans to participate in national Make A Difference Day this year. When it’s over, remember that there is always more to be done. You can help others, participate in cleanup efforts and volunteer for charitable organizations anytime you want. There is always a need. All you have to do is look around.